I don't think it has been forced. They took a bit of time getting them together and didn't mess around too much.
I liked their conversation. It has been awhile since Robert has had an actual relationship, and I liked that he asked for reassurance. I also liked the part about what their relationship was. Boyfriend and girlfriend sounds kind of silly at their age.
I liked that that they simply discussed it instead of scenes with them in public acting like stumbling teens.
And for those of you who didn't like it, at least they weren't long scenes or a lot of will they won't they.
Diane invited Robert to spend the night, the next day they discussed it. Like adults.
I can understand why it isn't your cup of tea, but at least the show didn't devote a great deal of time putting them together. Especially compared to Brooke/Chase or Flynn/Liz with months and months of variation on the same scenes and longing glances without daring to express their feelings.
Karen L.